'Let It Go' led Disney 'Frozen' creators to rewrite film

February 20, 2014|By Matt Mauney, Orlando Sentinel

Disney's animated musical 'Frozen' has taken the world by storm with its story and memorable soundtrack.

The film has grossed more than $378 million domestically and is closing in on $1 billion worldwide. It is an Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature and the song "Let It Go" is up for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song at this year's Academy Awards.

'Frozen' already took Best Animated Feature Film at the 2014 Golden Globes and won similar awards at the BAFTA Awards and the American Cinema Editors, USA Awards, among other award shows.

"Let It Go" has become the anthem of the film and helped inspire Disney to release a sing-along version of 'Frozen.' It has also inspired countless renditions on YouTube and other forms of social media.

In a recent report from Melena Ryzik of the New York Times, a behind the scenes look at Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif., and an interview with the film's creators revealed that 'Frozen' didn't originally focus on sisters Anna and Elsa.

Anna was originally written as a "perfect princess," not the clumsy, socially awkward character displayed in the film. According to the report, "Let It Go" shaped the storyline to focus on the sisterly bond between Anna and her older sister Elsa, who was born with the power to create snow and ice.

Kristen Bell voices the character Anna, a young princess who embarks on an adventure to save both her kingdom and her family. Elsa, voiced by Idina Menzel, is haunted by the moment her magic nearly killed her younger sister.

Menzel, a Tony Award winner, will sing "Let It Go" at the Oscars March 2 on ABC.